All eyes are on Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, as baseball fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming July 16 All-Star Game. Two of the sport's most electrifying talents, Aaron Judge and Bryce Harper, have been selected as starters, bolstering an already star-studded event.
Aaron Judge: A Fan Favorite Once More
Aaron Judge continues to dominate the fan voting, securing the top spot with 3,425,309 votes in the first round. This marks Judge's sixth American League start in seven All-Star Games, a testament to his consistent performance and popularity among fans. Judge is now part of an elite group as the 11th player since 1970 to lead the majors in votes on multiple occasions.
Last year, Judge's All-Star streak was halted due to a sprained right big toe, which kept him out of the lineup. Despite that setback, he led the first phase of fan voting in 2022, showcasing his enduring appeal.
Bryce Harper: National League's Leading Man
Bryce Harper is no stranger to the All-Star Game either. With 3,277,920 votes, he topped the National League and was second overall in the big leagues, securing his eighth All-Star Game appearance. Impressively, seven of those have been as a starter, illustrating Harper's long-standing excellence on the field.
The Voting Process and Key Dates
The selection process for starters begins with online voting, where fans can cast a vote once every 24 hours. The first phase ran from June 5 and concluded last Thursday, with the top vote-getters in each league earning their starting spots. However, the competition is far from over. The second phase of voting, which begins at noon EDT on Sunday and concludes at noon EDT on June 30, will determine the remaining starters. Notably, votes from the first phase do not carry over, ensuring a fresh round of competition.
The anticipation builds further as pitchers and reserves will be revealed on July 7, completing the final rosters for the big game.
Teams with a Strong Presence
The Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as major contenders, each advancing six players to the second phase of voting. Both teams will be keenly watching the results, hoping their players make the final cut.
Designated Hitters Shake-Up
The competition for the designated hitter spots has been particularly intense. In the National League, Kyle Schwarber surged ahead of Marcell Ozuna for the second position, while in the American League, Ryan O'Hearn displaced the formidable Giancarlo Stanton for the second spot among designated hitters.
Position-by-Position Finalists
The finalists for each position in both leagues reflect the depth of talent across Major League Baseball. In the American League, the catchers vying for the final nod are Salvador Perez and Adley Rutschman. At first base, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ryan Mountcastle are the contenders, while Jose Altuve and Marcus Semien battle it out at second base. The third base finalists are Jose Ramirez and Jordan Westburg, with Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr. competing at shortstop. The outfield positions have a crowded field with Steven Kwan, Anthony Santander, Juan Soto, and Kyle Tucker all in the mix. For the designated hitter role, Yordan Alvarez and Ryan O'Hearn are the standout names.
In the National League, the catcher position will be decided between William Contreras and J.T. Realmuto. Luis Arraez and Ketel Marte are the second base finalists, while Alec Bohm and Manny Machado compete at third base. The shortstop showdown features Mookie Betts and Trea Turner, both formidable opponents. The outfield position has a deep roster of contenders including Nick Castellanos, Teoscar Hernandez, Brandon Marsh, Jurickson Profar, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Christian Yelich. Finally, the designated hitter finalists are the ever-dominant Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
As the All-Star Game approaches, the excitement amongst fans and players alike continues to build. With so many incredible athletes vying for a place in the starting lineup, this year's event promises to be one of the most memorable in recent history.